What P0341 means
P0341 means the intake camshaft sensor of bank 1 (or the only cam sensor) delivers pulses, but their number or pattern does not fit the crankshaft.
How the engine computer detects it
GM counts the pulses while the crank is in sync: 4 to 6 in the first 12 reference events and 398 to 402 per 100 engine cycles on the 4X wheel of the cam phaser; outside that in 8 of 10 checks the code is set after two trips. Ford's 2023 diesel compares the detected segment profile of the cam wheel with the expected one (1.2 s); the Saab 9-4X V6 checks pulses per crank revolution and correlation with crank position. Ford gasoline engines use P0344 instead. Result: cam phase uncertain, cam timing switched off, possibly hard starting. GM names corroded connectors at the timing cover as a sporadic cause (PIP5335C).
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Longer cranking before the engine starts
- Loss of power (cam timing held in its base position)
- Rough idle, occasionally stalling
Common causes
- Sensor with interference pulses or weak signal, air gap Most likely
- Tone wheel on the phaser damaged or wrongly fitted Possible
- Connector or wiring fault (corrosion, interference) Possible
- Crankshaft signal disturbed (wrong reference) Less likely
How to diagnose P0341
- Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
- Inspect the parts involved: camshaft position sensor, camshaft tone wheel, sensor wiring, engine control module, cam phaser intake bank1.
- Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
- Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.
Vehicles that report P0341 most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Accord | 2008–2012 | 3 | 77k |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P0341 (21 in total), not failure rates: popular models get more complaints simply because more of them are on the road. Models with fewer than 3 complaints are left out.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 3
- Ignition system or misfire
- 41
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0341?
Drive gently and only as far as you need to. The engine computer may limit power to protect the engine, so avoid highways and heavy traffic until it's fixed. If the check engine light starts flashing, pull over.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0341?
Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.
Will P0341 clear by itself?
The light can go off after several drive cycles without the fault, but the code returns if the cause is still there. After a repair, the readiness monitors need a full drive cycle before an inspection.
Can I fix P0341 myself?
Often yes, with an OBD-II scanner and basic tools. Difficulty: medium. Start with the cheapest checks before replacing expensive parts.
Often reported together
Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as P0341. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.